Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock.com
Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard is fighting for his life after a shooting in Havana, Florida. He’s currently in critical but stable condition following the Sunday night incident, FSU officials confirmed.
Gadsden County police found Pritchard wounded inside his vehicle outside an apartment complex around 10 p.m. Someone had already pulled him from the car before emergency medical services arrived. Paramedics then rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“The Pritchard Family is thankful for the support from so many people, as well as the care from first responders and medical professionals, and asks that their privacy be respected at this time. Further updates will be provided as they are available,” FSU said in a statement.
The freshman was in uniform for the Seminoles’ shocking upset over Alabama in the season opener, though he didn’t see any playing time during the game.
This is devastating news for the program.
Pritchard joined Florida State as part of their 2025 recruiting class. The three-star prospect committed to the Seminoles back in October 2023 during his senior year at Seminole High School, according to 247Sports.
During his final high school season, Pritchard showed his defensive skills — racking up 39 tackles and 7 tackles for loss in just nine games. Those numbers caught the attention of FSU’s coaching staff, who saw him as a promising addition to their linebacker corps.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities haven’t released any additional details about potential suspects or motives behind the incident.
